Townsend’s Take: Where should the NRL’s 20th side go?

With the NRL considering its options for a 20th team, Chad Townsend has given his thoughts on where the side should be located.

Out of the potential options available to the competition, two contenders have emerged, with a second team in New Zealand (most likely the South Island) or a team located in Brisbane’s western corridor through the Ipswich Jets.

Already, former South Sydney and Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has thrown his support behind the Jets bid, believing it would quell the growth the AFL have made in Brisbane’s west.

However, the 2016 Premiership player would be in disagreement, believing the competition should capitalise on the sport’s growth across the Tasman Sea.

“I am going to disagree with Shane Richardson,” Townsend told SEN’s Kick Off.

“If I'm in charge and making the decision about the expansion of the NRL, I am going to New Zealand with the team, either based out of Christchurch or Wellington.

“I just think with the growth of rugby league in New Zealand and what the Warriors have been able to do, the Warriors for a long time sat behind the All Blacks with regards to interest.

“Now, the things I hear out of New Zealand are that the Warriors have taken over. Their crowds every single week are sold out.

“For not only this (season but), the last couple of seasons, since the Warriors have returned to New Zealand (after COVID), they've been fantastic.

“They're playing an exciting brand of football, and rugby league is absolutely thriving.

“So, I think a (second) team in New Zealand would absolutely be beneficial for the game of rugby league, and the growth of Pacific Rugby League that we've seen, with the likes of Tonga and Samoa.”

The NRL would likely introduce a 20th side after the 2032 Olympics.